Downing said: "I'm very excited. It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great club and I'm really excited to get going. I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City [at home]. I've played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front. It's all happened quickly, but I'm really excited and hoping to play a part on Saturday."

Liverpool have lost a considerable amount following the sales to West Ham of Carroll, who played all of last season on loan at the Upton Park club, and Downing for a combined sum of around £21m.

Both were bought in 2011 by Brendan Rodgers's predecessor, Kenny Dalglish, with Carroll costing £35m from Newcastle United in January and Downing £20m from Aston Villa that summer.

When Rodgers took over from Dalglish at the start of last season both players were told they were not required, and while Carroll went on loan, Downing stayed and made 45 appearances at left wing and left back.